Elstree\’s finest Arsenal blog

Tonight we witnessed what was probably the worst premiership team to grace The Emirates: Manchester City. This is a team that Arsenal should have beaten by at least 10. but in the end only managing 3 to their 1.

The first 12 minutes saw The Gunners dominate possession, passing the ball around at will, and eventually resulting in an Eboue cross with Super Tom getting on the end again, pretty much a carbon copy of Saturday’s goal. Its the next 30 minutes that really saw Arsenal waste their golden opportunity to put this game out of site, the game turned into a training day knock around, it was all too easy. Once again we proved our frailty in defence which resulted in Lehmann miss cuing a clearance, and giving it straight back to Man City, a couple of half hearted tackle attempts later, we witnessed day light robbery, with Beasley making it 1-1.

Its not until, play came down to the North end that I was able to witness for myself, just how weak we are down the right side. Eboue and Hleb don’t link up well and simply down look classy enough for Arsenal. Eboue constantly being caught out of position, and for one so young, really struggles to get back and defend, relying on Gallas and Toure to cover for him. OK against a weak side, but a position that will be surely punished by the top teams. As for Hleb, he’s a one trick pony with only a left foot, his only offering is to cut inside, into the middle of the pitch and either waste an opportunity or pass backwards. The ONLY time I have ever seen him use his right foot was tonight putting in a weak cross only for Adebayor to make Isaksson pull off a good save.

We were saved by a Cesc wonder strike from out side the box curling it a way from the diving Swede into the top right corner, 2 goals, 2 games – good on ya Cesc! A consolation goal for The Beast 10 minutes from time settled the game, and allowed us to all breathe easier.

If we are to compete for the title next season, we need to show a more ruthless streak, and make far less mistakes. On a more positive note both Rosicky and Clichy look better with every game and most of tonights most threatening play came from the left side, both these players made telling tackles, got stuck in and really looked like they were fighting, if this passion could be replicated on the right, we’d look a far more threatening team, i now just think, apart from a great goal scorer (Henry aside) we just need some maturity and strength down the right, and also for Lehmann not to be quite such a knob – he had a bit of a mare tonight, apart from one decent save.

Were now upto 3rd as Liverpool didn’t play tonight, but we’ve lost our game in hand, only stupidity now stands in the way of Champions League football next season. Let’s now look forward to beating the Scum at the Lane!!!!

This afternoon, The Gunners managed to extend their lead over Bolton in 4th place, with a nervy 2 – 1 win.

It didn’t start to well with ex. Arsenal player, Anelka putting the visitors ahead after a poor defensive display on 11 minutes. Arsenal had dominated the play, despite ‘fat Sam’ saying he tactically new how to beat Arsenal – yeah long ball, kick everybody up in the air a get 11 men behind the ball – what a muppet.

Despite going 1 up, Arsenal manged to produce some attacking football, even if Bolton had shut up shop, and on 30 minutes a persistent and dogged Rosicky scored at the south end!! the goal drought was over. Once again we were deprived of a goal by yet another keeper making spectacular save after spectacular save. Despite having the majority of the pay we went in at half time level.

The second half had hardly started, with most of the middle tier still a having their free aperitif when Cesc, despite taking his time, hit the back of the net to put us in the lead.

The remainder of the second half was pretty uneventful, with Arsenal taking the opportunity to do a bit of tactical time wasting. I don’t like this tactic, even if we are winning, the team slowed the pace down and looked lethargic, giving the ball away too easily. It wasn’t until the clearly, overweight, and off the pace, dirty Campo was sent off for another miss timed challenge that we started to produce more chances with the extra man. It was time for the seasons most comical moment – Diaby and The Beast, both beating the offside trap with just Jaaskelainen to beat a certain goal……not. The Beast seemed intent on trying to take out Diaby to make a name for himself, unfortunately he failed and the mix up saw Diaby fluff another shot and allow a comfortable save. Baptista really didn’t do himself any favours this afternoon, and I sure his days in the red and white of Arsenal are numbered, he’s just not good enough for the Prem.

Ok – so the demons have been cast aside, lets see what we can do against a poor Man City side on Tuesday night?

We weathered the last 10 minutes and managed to scrape a much needed win. you could visibly see the relief of the players who actually hung around on the pitch congratulating each other for far longer than normal.

The Elstree Gooner

“Hello to bloggers world !”

This is my first attempt at creating a blog, inspired by the guys at Kitty O’Shea’s in Paris, Arseblogger, Gilbertosilver, Gaelclichy est tres rapide, dubs et al…

Elstreegooner was born on 18th May at 7.35pm, following the long drive home from Paris with 4 other depressed Gooners talking of what might have been, and if we could read anything into Henry’s comments.

Thierry, if you’re reading?

We have agreed you will sign a one year extension, and lead Arsene’s army out at the Emirates next season to achieve League, FA Cup, Champions League glory, we’ll leave the League Cup for one of the minnows.